Republican-Led FCC Set to Abolish Net Neutrality

“Federal regulators unveiled a plan Tuesday that would give Internet providers broad powers to determine what websites and online services their customers can see and use, and at what cost,” The Washington Post reports.

“The move sets the stage for a crucial vote next month at the Federal Communications Commission that could reshape the entire digital ecosystem. The FCC’s Republican chairman, Ajit Pai, has made undoing the government’s net neutrality rules one of his top priorities, and Tuesday’s move hands a win to broadband companies such as AT&T, Verizon and Comcast.”

“Pai is taking aim at regulations that were approved two years ago under a Democratic presidency and that sought to make sure all Internet content, whether from big or small companies, would be treated equally by Internet providers.”

“Tragically, this decision is only for the benefit of the largely monopoly services that deliver the Internet to the consumer,” said Former Democratic FCC chairman Tom Wheeler.

“The decision will be put to a vote at the agency’s Dec. 14 meeting in Washington. It is expected to pass, with Republicans controlling three of the commission’s five seats.”

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